Community solar: Make a difference in your community and save money while doing it

By Kate Wellner

December 22, 2015

I grew up in a household with parents who taught me the value of a sustainable lifestyle. We recycled before it was “cool” and they fostered in me a love for the natural environment and a drive to protect it. Because I was an early advocate of environmental issues, when Community Solar became an option to me, it was a no brainer to sign up.

I found out about SunShare through MPIRG (Minnesota Public Interest Research Group), an organization which advocates for environmental preservation, among other issues important to Minnesotans. A representative from MPIRG called to tell me about a new concept called “Community Solar.” The MPIRG representative said I could go solar without having to put solar panels on my roof, with no upfront cost, and I could save money compared to what I am currently doing.

At first I thought it was too good to be true. I could now offset energy produced from dirty fossil fuels by switching to community solar. Once I realized that community solar is a legitimate program administered through my existing utility, Xcel Energy, I was ready to sign up.

It was one of the easiest choices I could have made. I wanted to use green power for my home, but the thought of installing a solar system on my own home seemed too overwhelming.

The best part is that I can take my solar garden subscription with me if I move. If I had a rooftop system, there would be no easy way of transporting and re-installing it to my new home. With Community Solar, I know I’ll be saving money on my electricity costs and making a meaningful difference in my community for 25 years, no matter what.